Current Designs Kayaks Materials & Construction Choices:

Current Designs Kayaks Materials & Construction Choices:

Current Designs Kayaks are produced by two methods – Vacuum-bagged composite lamination or rotational molding. Both methods provide unique benefits for the paddler to consider, including weight, strength, durability, and price.

Composite Vacuum-bagged Laminates:

Originally developed by the aerospace industry to manufacture ultra-lightweight, strong components, Current Designs has refined their vacuum bagging technology process for over 20- years to produce the lightest, strongest, and most durable kayaks available. Vacuum-bagged composite lamination uses high pressure to eliminate excess resin, which adds weight and reduces strength. The end result is a kayak that is lightweight, extraordinarily tough and highly durable. Today, Current Designs is a recognized industry leader in this technical process.

i) Fiberglass laminate:
Offers paddlers a superbly crafted composite kayak that is impeccably finished inside and out. An average weight for a ?CD? 17- foot fibreglass Sea Kayak is 50- lbs.Frontenac Outfitters Experts Note:though slightly heavier than Kevlar, buying fibreglass will save you over $400, and has greater abrasion resistance than Kevlar!

ii) Kevlar® laminate:
The same attractive finish with Dupont Kevlar® in place of fibreglass produces CD?s lightest possible weights in their performance touring models. An average weight for a ?CD? 17- foot Kevlar Sea Kayak is 46- lbs, which is about 8% to 10% lighter than comparable fibreglass.Frontenac Outfitters Experts Note:Kevlar® can be a great choice for smaller / shorter / older paddlers or where ease of handling out of the water is a priority.

iii) Composite Hybrid laminate:
CD?s composite Kestrel and Vision Kayak Series are made from a hybrid combination of both fibreglass and a generic form of Kevlar® called ?Polyaramid?. Average weight for a ?CD? 14? Hybrid Day-touring kayak is about 35- lbs, which is 30% to 40% lighter than comparable roto-molded polyethylene choices.

Rotational molding uses high temperature to melt polyethylene powder in a closed rotating metal mold to produce a complete kayak in a fraction of the time required for composite construction methods. Less labour intensive, roto-molded polyethylene models offer paddlers the ability to enjoy many of CD?s unique models at a far more economical price.

Frontenac Outfitters Experts Note: Polyethylene kayaks weigh about 20% more than comparable fibreglass models. The soft nature of plastics makes ?play boats? slower and more prone to effects of heat and stress. The lower cost of a ?Poly Yak? may help introduce newbee?s to wonderful world of kayaking ?without Breaking da Bank?